Damascus Weather in May

May feels like summer by afternoon

May is warm and dry, with sunny days and a real jump in heat from April. The afternoons can feel hot as you walk through the Old City, though evenings are cooler. There's little rain, so sightseeing around the Umayyad Mosque and the covered souqs generally works well. Save longer walks along Straight Street for earlier in the day, and take a slower pace once the sun is strong.

If you hate crowds, May is usually quieter than Damascus's more popular spring and autumn months.

What to do, and when

Spend the brighter hours exploring the Old City's lanes, then duck into a shaded courtyard or one of the souqs when the streets feel hot. May's long daylight gives you room to linger, but a full afternoon of walking can be tiring. A leisurely meal of damascene muhammara, a walnut-and-pepper dip, is a good way to pause.

May Day, on the first of the month, is Syria's Labour Day holiday. Some businesses may close or change their hours, so don't count on every shop being open that day. Other major holidays can fall in May in some years, depending on the calendar.

Crowds, costs and a local tip

May sits outside Damascus's most comfortable travel months, March and April, and the autumn season. It's often less busy than those periods, and accommodation may cost less, though availability and prices can vary. Travel conditions in Syria can also affect what's open and how many visitors arrive.

At the Umayyad Mosque, cover your shoulders and knees, and follow staff directions at the entrance. It's a working place of worship, so visiting outside prayer times makes for a more respectful, less rushed stop.